Michael Allen Returning Home to Finish College Career at ECU
Former J.H. Rose standout Michael Allen has committed to East Carolina out of the transfer portal, choosing to finish his college career with the hometown Pirates after a winding journey that included stops at NC State, UNLV, and Marshall.
A Greenville native and former four-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class, Allen’s return adds an experienced, physically mature option to an ECU running back room that is undergoing significant turnover heading into the 2026 season.
A Long Road Back to Greenville
Allen originally signed with NC State, where he spent the first two seasons of his career. Across the 2022 and 2023 campaigns in Raleigh, Allen logged 106 rushing attempts for 523 yards and one touchdown, averaging a solid 4.9 yards per carry. While he never became the Wolfpack’s primary ball carrier, he consistently flashed efficiency and toughness when given opportunities, forcing 24 missed tackles over those two seasons.
Following his time at NC State, Allen transferred to UNLV ahead of the 2024 season. He appeared in three games before opting to redshirt and preserve eligibility, recording 19 carries for 108 yards.
That decision ultimately led him to Marshall, where Allen enjoyed his most productive collegiate season to date. In Huntington, he rushed 77 times for 385 yards and four touchdowns, showing improved patience, vision, and finishing ability while playing a complementary role in the Herd’s offense.
What Allen Brings to ECU
Despite never serving as a full-time starter at the FBS level, Allen has consistently produced when called upon. His combination of experience, burst, and physicality gives ECU a proven option capable of handling meaningful snaps — especially valuable after a season that saw multiple departures in the running back room.
Allen chose the Pirates over offers from Duke, Central Michigan, and Western Michigan, electing to return home and close his career where it all started.
For East Carolina, the addition represents more than just depth. It’s a reunion with a local product who understands the program, the city, and what it means to wear purple and gold.